Writing an effective resume is about more than just creating a resume once and distributing it to prospective employers. An executive resume writer will tell you how important it is to review your resume and edit it often. Unfortunately, many people find one of their biggest weaknesses is editing. Hiring an executive resume service can provide the assistance you need, but learning to edit on your own can be invaluable.

Focus on Your Achievements

Many individuals focus on what their responsibilities have been at their jobs, rather than what they have actually achieved. Prospective employers want to know what your skills are and how you have used those skills to accomplish things in your past work history. Think about the requirements of the job to which you are applying and focus on the skills you need to meet the demands of the position.

Market Yourself

Your resume is your chance to sell yourself and tell your prospective employers why they should consider hiring you, rather than one of the other individuals who have applied. You may easily tell potential employers what you can do, but you also need to show them how well you can do it. When writing an effective resume, you need to show them how well you have done in past positions. Quantify your value, don’t just state it.

Remove Irrelevant Material

An executive resume writer can go through your resume and help you pick out the items that aren’t relevant to the job for which you are applying. Many people create a single resume and try to distribute it to all of their prospects. However, employers are looking for the best fit for the job. If your resume is filled with information that doesn’t relate to the open position, your resume is more likely to find its way to the bottom of the pile, rather than in the interview pile.

Don’t Give It All Away

A resume is meant to be a snapshot of your work history to get employers to call you. For this reason, it’s important to make sure you don’t give too much away. Make sure you leave them with questions so they want to talk to you. It’s important to make sure you can work on selling yourself at the interview to close the deal.

Check for Common Mistakes

Grammar and spelling errors can be devastating to your ability to get a job. An executive resume service will be able to identify these problems, but anyone with a firm understanding of the English language can go over your resume and point out potential issues. You should also double check names, addresses and other important information for accuracy.

Editing your resume is one of the most important steps you can take when applying for a job. Writing an effective resume will help set you apart from the other people applying for a job and can increase your chances of landing the job you want.

For some, the executive resume cover letter and executive bio are the easy part. These individuals may feel confident in the way they look on paper, but when it comes to the interview, they may fear the tough questions and just don’t know how to answer them. Facing these types of questions when you aren’t prepared can create the wrong impression, costing you the job you’re looking for.

What Is Your Greatest Weakness?

You spend a lot of time filling your executive bio with examples of your strengths to show your prospective employer why you are the perfect candidate. It’s all part of your personal branding. Unfortunately, this is one of the most commonly asked questions. The key is selecting a weakness that has little to no impact on the position for which you are applying. Carefully read through the job description before you make your choice. In addition to letting them know what your weakness is, address how you are working toward strengthening this area.

Why Is There a Gap in Your Work History?

There are a number of circumstances that can lead to gaps in your work history. Perhaps you took time off to raise children or maybe you were laid off and had difficulty finding a new position due to a declining economy. While you can’t make up a job to fill in the gaps, mention volunteer work and other activities you did during those periods of unemployment. Anything that shows you remained productive during those times can help pad your resume.

Tell Me About Yourself

This may seem like a way to learn about your personal life, but most employers don’t want to hear about your family or your latest vacation. Instead, they use this question to learn in your words about your career past. Talk about your education and your past jobs, particularly your last career. Keep this portion of the interview short and to the point.

Has a Supervisor Ever Challenged Your Choices?

When interviewers ask this question, they aren’t checking to see if you’ve made mistakes in your past job. Instead, they are interested in how you handle controversy and how you resolve issues with your superiors. Be sure your answer reflects humility and shows you learned a lesson from the encounter. Don’t badmouth your past supervisors or give the impression you were in the right.

Tough questions are all a part of the interview process. In many cases, it’s not about the exact answer you give. In fact, many of these questions are designed to gauge how you respond to specific situations and help an employer determine if you are a good fit for their company. Learning how to handle even the difficult questions with confidence will increase your odds of landing the job you want, especially if a good interview is accompanied by an excellent executive bio.

It might be easier to write one resume and then send it to every job you are applying for. However, this isn’t the best way to reach your target audience. When writing an effective resume, you need to focus on the company you are applying to and the particulars of the job. An executive resume service can help with the task of writing a professional resume.

Create a Core Resume

The starting point for your professional resume will be the same for every resume you send in to a job because your core skills and past work experience won’t change. When you start building this resume, you can start with the same facts and save it to your computer so you can easily make changes for the next job you may apply for. This core resume will make up the bare bones, which can then be tailored to your exact needs as you continue through your job search.

Research the Job Particulars

Once your core resume is complete, the next step in writing an effective resume is to do some research on the job you’re applying for. Not only do you need to determine which of your skills and past work experiences relate to the job, but you also need to look at the company and its culture. This information is invaluable in helping you build a resume that will impress the right people and show them why you are a good fit for their position and their company.

Customize the Core Resume

Once you have this information, you can work on making the necessary changes to your core resume. The more specific you are in adding details, the more they will realize you took the time to learn about the company and the position they are offering. An executive resume service has the experience necessary to help you pull it all together and create a resume that will capture the attention of the individual responsible for hiring, increasing the chances you will land the job.

Writing a professional resume is about more than just creating one resume and copying it repeatedly for every job you are thinking about applying for. Unfortunately, these general resumes won’t produce the impact you’re looking for. Instead, you should work with an executive resume service to create a custom-tailored resume so you can make the best first impression on any potential employer.

Putting together resumes that get you hired can be a time-consuming process so why wouldn’t you use any help you could get? A template may seem like the best executive resume format, but is it really? While a template may make the process of creating a resume faster and easier, hiring an executive resume service to help you stand out is the best option.

You Must Stand Out

When you consider how many people apply for every job listing, you’ll quickly realize the importance of making your resume stand out in the crowd. When your only way to make a great first impression is through your resume, you need to make sure it tells who you are and what you can offer a company. If your resume looks just like everyone else’s, your chances of landing the job you want are drastically reduced.

Sub-Standard Format

If you truly want the best executive resume format, a template isn’t going to get the results you want. When you search for resume templates online, you will uncover thousands of results. However, do you know how put those templates together? Many of them were created by individuals who don’t have experience writing resumes that get you hired. They may have experienced success getting a job with the format and feel they could help others out. Perhaps they haven’t even submitted a resume in that format but think they have all the answers. You shouldn’t trust your future career to just anyone.

Use Them as a Starting Point

While resume templates aren’t the best way to create your resume, you can still use them as a launching pad for creating a resume that will get results. Look at several options and determine what you like best in each of them. You can compile components from multiple resume templates and arrange them into your own personal resume that showcases what you have to offer. Using templates to create a custom layout will produce the best results.

Using a resume template doesn’t mean you won’t have any chance of landing the job, but it will make the process more difficult. If you aren’t using the best executive resume format, you can expect fewer call backs because you won’t stand out from the hundreds or thousands of other resumes received. This is why many people hire an executive resume service to help them create an outstanding resume that highlights their assets and makes them more appealing to prospective employers. When you move away from template resumes and venture into custom resumes that get you hired, you will see better results in your job search.

C-level personal branding can play a major role in your ability to start your career.

When you hear the term, branding, what comes to mind? Most people think of businesses and the logos and slogans they use to capture the attention of their target audience. In the world of resumes and cover letters, your C-level personal branding isn’t all that different. When writing an effective resume, you need to focus on how you present yourself and what information you share with prospective employers.

Audit Your Online Profiles

Today’s employers are more likely to look at your online presence before they make a final hiring decision. For this reason, you need to make sure your online profiles reflect the personality and assets you have to offer. Make sure you only share information that reflects positively on you. In addition, you can set your Google account to alert you whenever your name is mentioned, allowing you to monitor content outside of your control.

Gain Exposure

The Internet has made it easier to network with people who can help you reach great heights. However, these individuals aren’t likely to find you. You need to take the right steps to reach out to them. Websites like LinkedIn can help you connect with people who can help you attract the attention of recruiters and companies looking for individuals in your field. Creating content that will appeal to these individuals will also help you to capture their attention.

Put Your Expertise Out There

You have a lot of experience and skills that can benefit the right company. Resumes and cover letters are a great way to share this information, but you can further showcase your expertise by securing a website and posting regular content relating to your industry. When employers see you maintain a website that shares valuable information about your field, they are more likely to see you as a valuable asset to their company. This method of C-level personal branding can serve a number of purposes, including helping you find the perfect job.

Be Yourself

There’s no one else in the world just like you, and it’s up to you to show prospective employers why you are the one they need. When writing an effective resume, many individuals concentrate on showing prospective employers what skills and education they have to make them an asset to the company. However, hiring isn’t just about finding someone with the right skill set; companies are looking for someone who fits into the company culture. For this reason, it’s important to be yourself.

Resumes and cover letters are designed to showcase your skills, but they can also enhance your C-level personal branding. When you’re searching for a job, you need to let businesses know who you are and why you would be an asset to their company. Writing an effective resume and following these tips will increase your chances of obtaining the job you’re looking for.

How you represent yourself with your personal branding can play a significant role in whether you are hired. However, it’s not all about hiring a professional resume writing service to write resumes that get you hired. In some cases, you need a executive recruiter who will be by your side to help you make the right career move. There are several reasons you should consider working with a recruiter as part of your job search.

There’s No Charge to Job Seekers

Recruiters are typically hired by employers to help them find the ideal candidate for any open positions. These recruiters have the experience and skills necessary to determine which applicants are the best fit for the job requirements. This means most recruiters are available free of charge to the job seeker. The person you hire will be paid by the employer for their services.

Access the Hidden Job Pool

Not all companies advertise their open positions where anyone can see and apply for them. In these situations, having a resume that gets you hired won’t produce results because you can’t see the available position. C-level recruiters often have a list of unpublished job openings they can provide so you can apply to ones in a much smaller pool of applicants.

An Inside Job

Not only do recruiters have access to job openings that aren’t published elsewhere, but they often have close working relationships with companies in their field. A professional resume writing service may be able to make your resume look great, but if you can’t get it in front of the right people, you won’t get hired. A recruiter can help you go over your resume and make changes that will make you more appealing to the job for which you are applying.

Avoid Overexposure

It may not seem like a bad idea to spread your resume as many places as you can, but distributing your resume in too many locations can have a negative effect on your ability to get the job you want. Employers look for individuals who may be in high demand but aren’t catering to a dozen other similar companies at the same time. When you use a recruiter in your job search, employers won’t stumble on your resume on a job board and pass you by because you may already be entertaining other offers. Instead, they will feel like you are an exclusive opportunity, boosting your chances of landing an interview and the job.

C-level personal branding is an important aspect of writing resumes that get you hired, but it’s not the only factor. Working with a executive recruiter can provide a number of benefits that can give you the advantage in the often-competitive business world. A recruiter can take some of the anxiety out of your job search and increase the chances you will find the right career path more quickly than working on your own.

Finding the right job board will enhance the power of resumes and cover letters.

You hire an executive resume writer to help you perfect resumes and cover letters, but how are you actually finding the ideal job? There are many job boards where people can network and make connections that can lead to new career opportunities. However, general job boards won’t provide the same results as niche markets. When you use job boards that focus on a particular industry, you increase your chances of networking with the right people and landing the job you’ve always wanted.

Dice.com

The Internet and technology field is fast-growing and constantly changing. If you are looking for a job in this industry, Dice.com can be the ideal niche job board. This career board will help you find jobs with some of the biggest technology-driven companies in the industry. You will find careers for consulting professionals, as well as IT staff, so you can use your technology skills to their fullest.

eFinancial Careers

A professional resume writing service can help you showcase your financial expertise and skills, but it’s up to you to make the right connections to land a job. At eFinancial Careers, you will find a vast listing of financial positions around the world. This site makes it easy to find job opportunities based on sector, skill set and location.

SalesHeads

Individuals seeking employment in the sales field will find a job search board they can rely on at SalesHeads. With more than 200,000 sales jobs available on this website, you will find a vast array of sales opportunities, including high-level sales jobs. This site can even help you distribute your resumes and cover letters to companies that meet your requirements so you can find a sales job more quickly.

The Levo League

Young professionals can often be at a disadvantage in the job search market. While some companies prefer to hire younger individuals who have been trained in the latest industry standards, it can be difficult to compete with those who have first-hand experience in the industry. The Levo League is targeted toward these young professionals, giving them the competitive edge in their career searches. This niche board offers advice through articles and videos and can help individuals network and connect with other individuals. All of these features enhance the job listings found here.

An executive resume writer may be able to help you create an effective resume and cover letter so you will be more appealing to your prospective employers, but it’s up to you to get out there and find the ideal job of your dreams. Instead of spending your time sifting through listings that don’t apply to you, consider using a niche job board. These boards will increase your chances of landing the perfect job and help you stay up-to-date on the latest trends within your industry.

When you’re looking for a new job, you likely have a salary goal in mind. As you’re writing a professional resume, you begin thinking about what you’re really worth. However, when you’re presented with a job offer, you may feel like you either have to take it or leave it. However, this is not the case. With careful c-level personal branding and these tips, you can negotiate a better salary and gain the compensation you deserve.

Research Average Salaries

Salaries vary dramatically due to a variety of factors, including location, industry, education level, experience and employer budget. What you make at a position in one location may be significantly more or less in another location. Performing your due diligence can help you learn how much you can expect to earn in a given position. Consider both local and national statistics for a clearer picture. Be sure to bring this information along to show a prospective employer.

Think Creatively

Compensation isn’t limited to what you bring home in your paycheck. There are other ways you can be compensated for your time and can help you boost your salary negotiations. If your prospective employer won’t increase your starting salary, consider asking for a performance review in six months to give you time to prove your worth. You may also inquire about:

Signing bonuses

Stocks

Tuition reimbursement

Paid time off

Flexibility in your work schedule or location

These terms can bring value without increasing the salary your employer will pay.

Be Prepared to Walk Away

If you’re writing a professional resume, you are looking for a new job, but that doesn’t mean you have to accept whatever comes your way, no questions asked. Instead, you need to understand your worth and be prepared to walk away if an employer doesn’t realize that value. If you are the ideal candidate for the position, there is a chance they will offer you more once you let them know you are no longer interested. However, you need to be prepared to follow through if they don’t change their offer.

Practice

Like all other areas of life, practice makes perfect. There is value in practicing your negotiating skills with family members or a friend before you head to the negotiating table. Make sure your loved one offers some resistance so you can practice what you will say when the time comes.

Negotiating your salary can be one of the most difficult aspects of interviewing for a new job, especially for women. While you focus on your c-level personal branding when writing a professional resume, you must understand what your real worth is so you can fight for every cent you deserve.

Professional Resume Services

Erin Kennedy, MCD, CMRW, CPRW owns Professional Resume Services, where she and her talented staff of writers specialize in professional & executive resumes. Erin is internationally recognized by her peers as one of the best of the best, she is a perennial award-nominated certified resume writer. Read more...